Research Associate I

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Posting Reason:

New Position

Job Type:

Employee

Anticipated Duration in Months (for contracts and temporary assignments):

23

Job Family:

Research

# of Open Positions:

1

Faculty/Service - Department:

Research - Scaiano J.

Campus:

Main Campus

Union Affiliation:

N/A

Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/03/02

Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/04/03

Hours per week:

35

Salary Grade:

Non-Union Grade NR5 - 35 hrs

Salary Range:

$67,700.00 - $84,625.00

About the Faculty of Science:

Welcome to the Faculty of Science, a great place to learn, to explore, to question, to discover — opening your mind and pushing boundaries. It’s an exciting time to be part of a rewarding career in life sciences, natural sciences and mathematics. You will have access to world-class facilities, including our Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Complex, our extensive Biosciences Complex and our cutting-edge Advanced Research Complex, that are the envy of many universities. We have strong links with a multitude of government and private research centres, providing countless opportunities and experiences.

We have become a true centre of excellence, earning recognition across Canada and abroad for our prowess in teaching and in our laboratories, where our researchers are addressing some of the most important and relevant scientific questions of our time. Our past is a testimonial to our passion, so will be our future. Will you be part of it?

Purpose:

Under general supervision, the Research Associate plans and executes non-routine assignments of varying complexity requiring deep knowledge scientific theory, principles and practices. The role leads experimental design and execution across photochemistry and nanotechnology, with focus on green nanomaterial synthesis, PACT, visible‑light processes and laser techniques for biomedical and environmental applications. The Research Associate will be responsible for all work in the areas of biochemistry and the applications of novel biomaterials, designing and conducting cultures of different stages of antibiotic-resistant biofilms and cell co-cultures.

Typical tasks and duties:

• Designs multidisciplinary experiments involving green synthesis of nanoparticles (gold, silver, bimetallic, TiO₂) for photocatalysis and biomolecular science, and environmental systems. Selects and uses appropriate procedures, equipment and standards to produce required data.

• Applies PACT and oxidative‑stress principles to target antibiotic‑multiresistant bacteria and biofilms.

• Develops biocompatible, environmentally friendly nanomaterials and nanocoatings for biomedical and environmental applications.

• Leads development of visible‑light‑driven degradation systems, including flow systems for water treatment.

• Oversee biochemistry and biomaterial studies, including advanced biofilm and co‑culture models relevant to antimicrobial and environmental research including water security.

• Performs complex laboratory experiments and assists in data evaluation, interpretation and preparation. Sets up fluorescence, advanced microscopy and laser photolysis experiments.

• Compiles and analyzes experimental data using image analysis software, spreadsheets, graphing, modelling tools and curve fitting software.

• May be responsible for a single independent research project.

• Trains and mentors new laboratory personnel, students and collaborators.

Knowledge, skills, education and experience: 

• PhD (preferred) in Chemistry or Pharmacy, or a minimum of master’s degree plus relevant working experience.

• Expertise in spectroscopy (UV‑Vis, Fluorescence, DR), HPLC, GC‑MS, LED/laser systems including flash photolysis, and advanced nanostructured material synthesis.

• Extensive experience with TEM, SEM, confocal and inverted microscopy; fluorescence lifetime imaging, microbiological and cell‑based assays.

• Familiarity with photochemistry and nanotechnology protocols, including safety procedures related to UV light and laser beam usage.

• Strong organizational, analytical and scientific oral and writing skills.

• Ability to coordinate workflow.

• Sound judgement in applying scientific principles and predicting or preventing problems.

• Ability to adapt protocols as needed (within guidelines), and to work with computers (perform mathematical calculations).

Key Competencies at uOttawa:
Here are the required competencies for all or our employees at uOttawa: 

Planning: Organize in time a series of actions or events in order to realize an objective or a project. Plan and organize own work and priorities in regular daily activities.
Initiative: Demonstrate creativity and initiative to suggest improvements and encourage positive results. Is proactive and self-starting. Show availability and willingness to go above and beyond whenever it is possible.
Client Service Orientation: Help or serve others to meet their needs. This implies anticipating and identifying the needs of internal and external clients and finding solutions on how to meet them.
Teamwork and Cooperation: Cooperate and work well with other members of the team to reach common goal(s). Accept and give constructive feedback. Able to adjust own behaviour to reach the goals of the team.

The University of Ottawa embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are passionate about our people and committed to employment equity. We foster a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion, where collaboration, innovation, and creativity fuel our quest for research and teaching excellence. While all qualified persons are invited to apply, we welcome applications from qualified Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible, barrier-free work environment. The University is also committed to working with applicants with disabilities requesting accommodation during the recruitment, assessment and selection processes. Applicants with disabilities may contact hrtalentmanagement@uottawa.ca to communicate the accommodation need. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Note: if this is a union position: The hiring process will be governed by the current collective agreement related to the union affiliation noted above; you can click here to find out more.

If this is a front-line position with responsibilities to interact with students, selected candidates must be rated at the Low Advanced proficiency level or higher for both oral comprehension and reading comprehension in their second official language. The rating is determined by a proficiency test designed by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.